We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcelo Zelicovich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcelo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started in the aroma business in Tucuman, Argentina in 1993, during one of the many economic crisis that happened there. I had the chance to learn about an opportunity that was aromatizing public restrooms. That was the beginning of a model of service company where you have to go every month and replace the product in the restrooms and create several places where you have your products in use.

Having previously worked as a Jewish Community Director, I have always enjoyed making people happy, and I fell in love with the idea of making people happy through scent.

After growing the business a little more, I moved to Buenos Aires and providing scenting for all the public restrooms of the Carrefour Supermarket chain and one day the manager of the biggest store said, your restrooms smell amazing but we have to figure something out for the whole store, because the ACs were picking up the bad odors from the nearby river. That was when I had my first Eureka moment. I thought “if the ac units are the reason for the problem, why not use the same units to fix it!” I spent about a year developing the first Doctor Aromas AC aroma machine with my father as my partner and this was almost the exact same time the casinos in Vegas were beginning to use scenting in their buildings as well.

I continued to grow in Argentina for several more years until the next economical crisis occurred and we lost everything and unfortunately, my father passed away. I took everything I had, which was $650 and the patent for my designs, and moved to the United States and worked as a dishwasher in South Beach. I did whatever it takes to get back on my feet and bring Doctor Aromas back to life.

Now we have a company with 36 employees, over 100,000 homes use our products, several hundred Miami buildings use them as well, and we now have our own production plant.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
“My journey with Doctor Aromas has been a remarkable adventure, shaped by a passion for scent and a commitment to making lives better through fragrance experiences. What sets us apart is not just the quality of our products but the genuine care we put into creating scents that evoke emotions and memories. We’re not just selling perfumes; we’re delivering an emotional connection.
The journey wasn’t easy. I took risks, faced economic crises, and even worked as a dishwasher. But each challenge became a stepping stone, teaching me the value of resilience, innovation, and the importance of standing by one’s vision.
I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on people’s lives and the environment. Our commitment to creating products that are not only high-quality but also safe for health and the earth is a defining aspect of Doctor Aromas. We stand against harmful chemicals in air fresheners, ensuring that what you use in your home is equally safe for personal use.

In essence, Doctor Aromas is more than a brand; it’s a reflection of who I am. The power of scent to influence emotions and memories is profound, and we aim to deliver scents that complement the style and ambiance of our customers’ spaces.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s that success, to me, is about leaving a legacy. I’ve walked a diverse path, and I hope to leave something behind that continues beyond me. Money comes and goes, but being a good person and creating lasting memories means far more. Doctor Aromas is not just a business; it’s a journey of passion, innovation, and the pursuit of making lives wonderful through the power of scent.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
“That’s a great question, and it’s not an easy one to answer. Living in Miami, one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and having childhood friends from Argentina, time always seems to be in short supply when trying to showcase the history, beauty, and growth of this city. Despite being residents, we often find ourselves working in a city known for vacationing. However, whenever I have friends visiting. One tradition I always maintain is taking them on this coastal route from West Palm Beach to South Beach. It’s a visual feast, combining the grandeur of mansions with the laid-back beach atmosphere, ultimately leading to the energetic ambiance of South Beach. Additionally, we’ve recently added the experience of attending Inter Miami soccer games, particularly to witness the brilliance of one of the greatest soccer players in history. It’s become a guaranteed entry to any match he plays, adding an exciting new dimension to our Miami experience.
Miami’s unique blend of cultural richness, stunning landscapes, and now the flourishing sports scene with Inter Miami provides a multifaceted charm that both locals and visitors can appreciate. It’s a joy to introduce our friends to this dynamic city, making their visit truly unforgettable. If there are specific places or experiences they’re interested in, we always try to accommodate and showcase the best of what Miami has to offer.”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“I want to dedicate this shoutout to my father, who was not only my partner in developing the first Doctor Aromas AC Scenting System but also a source of inspiration and support throughout my career. His guidance and belief in taking risks were crucial in shaping the innovative path of Doctor Aromas. Additionally, I’d like to recognize the memory of my father ( Gregorio ) and my mother ( Rosita ) as a reminder of the importance of leaving a positive legacy and being a good person beyond the realm of financial success. Their wisdom continues to resonate, fueling my commitment to creating valuable experiences for our customers and leaving a lasting impact.”
“I also want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to my wife Roxana Zayat, a fellow entrepreneur with a background in risk-taking. Together, we’ve navigated challenges and embraced the joys of parenthood. Her unwavering support and partnership have been instrumental, especially during the transition in our work-life balance when our son became our main priority. As we continue to pursue our dreams and balance the demands of our personal and professional lives, her presence remains a pillar of strength, making the journey richer and more fulfilling. Thank you for being my partner in every sense of the word.”

“And last but certainly not least, I want to give a special shoutout to my 14-year-old son. His passion for pursuing his dream of becoming an actor is both inspiring and a testament to the importance of encouraging our children to follow their hearts. My wife and I, both with entrepreneurial and risk-taking backgrounds, have always instilled in him the values of hard work, resilience, and the willingness to face challenges. Watching him grow and pursue his aspirations is a source of immense joy, and I look forward to continuing to support and witness his journey unfold. Here’s to the next generation of dreamers and doers, and to the endless possibilities ahead!”

“Before we wrap up, I’d like to take a moment to extend a heartfelt shoutout to the incredible team at Doctor Aromas. Our success is a collective effort, and I am immensely grateful for the hard work, dedication, and creativity that each member of our team brings to the table. They are the heartbeat of our company, and without their contributions, we wouldn’t be where we are today. To my employees, thank you for your unwavering commitment, passion, and for being an integral part of the Doctor Aromas family. Together, we continue to innovate, create, and make lives wonderful through our scents. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team.”

Website: www.doctoraromas.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoraromasofficial?igsh=azd1emQxcHlhOHk5

Linkedin: https://ar.linkedin.com/company/doctoraromas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoraromas

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoraromasofficial?_t=8kTwXNz4m98&_r=1

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